The Founder and Chairman of Unubiko Foundation, Mr. James Ume, has pledged to support female Journalist in Nigeria in the area of training and capacity building.
He made the pledge in Abuja, when he played host to a delegation from Media Sisters, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Nigeria.
While receiving an award of Excellence for humanitarian services across the country, he encouraged the Media Sisters to fight for the course of females in the journalism profession and bring their problems to fore.
He decried the challenges faced by female journalists in the course of their work.
“The career path for Women journalists can be difficult. They are most times short change and limited. Because of these, a lot of promising and good journalists that are women have either lost things or passion for job. Some don’t have access to some places because of their gender,” Chief Ume said.
He also tasked the NGO to come up with innovative initiatives to empower female journalists in carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
“You should expand your scope because there are very talented female journalists out there, we need to bring the problem they face to the forefront to advocate better things for them so that when a female journalist goes anyway she will have confidence to be able to perform effectively. You have look for innovative ways and actions to support the female journalist to be at par with men. Once we see your effort towards that we support you in this course in every way we can because it is very important”
He expressed appreciation to the Organization for the recognition noting that aside from the humanitarian services rendered by his foundation, he has been partnering with the Nigerian Union of Journalist in terms of training.
He assured that moving forward “we will be more conscious in training more female journalists to boost their performance.”
The Coordinator of the Group, Ms. Gloria Essien while presenting the award, said the award presented to Mr. Ume was based on merit and his outstanding humanitarian service which is lifting and touching the lives of many people in Nigeria.
She also used the opportunity to seek partnership in the training of young female journalists
“The Award of Excellent for foundation is in recognition for all the good things you have been doing. And to also seek your assistance in investing in the female in terms of training and capacity building.”
